Certified Nursing Assistant Onboarding Checklist

Certified Nursing Assistant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Certified Nursing Assistant starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Healthcare onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Certified Nursing Assistant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Certified Nursing Assistant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Certified Nursing Assistant Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) attends a comprehensive orientation program that introduces them to the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Paperwork and Documentation: The CNA completes all necessary paperwork, including employment contracts, tax forms, and health insurance enrollment. This task is usually handled by the HR department or an administrative assistant.

3. Training and Certification Verification: The CNA provides proof of their certification and undergoes a verification process to ensure their credentials are valid. This task is typically performed by the HR department or the nursing education department.

4. Facility Tour: The CNA is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including the different units, departments, and key areas such as supply rooms, break rooms, and emergency exits. This task is usually conducted by a designated staff member or a unit manager.

5. Introduction to Colleagues: The CNA is introduced to their colleagues, including nurses, doctors, other CNAs, and support staff. This task may be facilitated by the unit manager or a designated mentor.

6. Review of Policies and Procedures: The CNA receives a comprehensive review of the facility’s policies and procedures, including infection control protocols, patient safety measures, and documentation guidelines. This task is typically performed by the nursing education department or a designated trainer.

7. Equipment and Supplies Familiarization: The CNA is familiarized with the equipment and supplies used in their daily tasks, such as vital signs monitors, patient lifts, and personal protective equipment. This task may be conducted by a nurse educator or a designated staff member.

8. Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHR): The CNA receives training on the facility’s electronic health record system, including how to document patient care, access medical records, and communicate with other healthcare professionals. This task is usually performed by the nursing informatics department or a designated trainer.

9. Shadowing and Mentoring: The CNA is paired with an experienced CNA or nurse who serves as their mentor during the initial weeks. They observe and learn from their mentor’s interactions with patients, documentation practices, and time management skills. This task is typically coordinated by the unit manager or a designated preceptor.

10. Introduction to Patient Population: The CNA is provided with information about the patient population they will be working with, including their specific needs, conditions, and cultural considerations. This task may be performed by the unit manager, nursing education department, or a designated educator.

11. Emergency Response Training: The CNA undergoes training in emergency response procedures, including CPR, first aid, and disaster preparedness. This task is typically conducted by the nursing education department or a certified trainer.

12. Infection Control Training: The CNA receives training on infection control practices, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and isolation precautions. This task is usually performed by the infection control department or a designated trainer.

13. Medication Administration Training: The CNA undergoes training on medication administration, including dosage calculations, medication routes, and documentation requirements. This task is typically conducted by the nursing education department or a designated nurse educator.

14. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The CNA is provided with clear performance expectations and understands how their performance will be evaluated. This task is typically discussed by the unit manager or a designated supervisor.

15. Ongoing Education Opportunities: The CNA is informed about ongoing education opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and online courses, to enhance their knowledge and skills. This task may be communicated by the nursing education department or the HR department.

16. Employee Benefits Review: The CNA receives information about the company’s employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This task is typically handled by the HR department or a benefits coordinator.

17. Safety and Security Training: The CNA undergoes training on safety and security measures, including fire safety, workplace violence prevention, and patient privacy regulations. This task is usually conducted by the safety and security department or a designated trainer.

18. Introduction to Support Services: The CNA is introduced to support services available within the facility, such as dietary services, housekeeping, and maintenance. This task may be facilitated by the unit manager or a designated staff member.

19. Communication Channels: The CNA is informed about the various communication channels within the company, including email, phone systems, and messaging platforms, to facilitate effective communication with colleagues and supervisors. This task may be communicated by the HR department or the IT department.

20. Performance Review Schedule: The CNA is provided with information about the company’s performance review schedule and understands the process for feedback and performance improvement. This task is typically discussed by the unit manager or a designated supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Certified Nursing Assistant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Certified Nursing Assistant up to speed and working well in your Healthcare team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.